Director of Manufacturing & Assembly

WET Design • Burbank, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

WET is the global leader in designing and manufacturing kinetic water features that move the world. From the Fountains of Bellagio to The Dubai Fountain, we fuse art, science, and engineering into unforgettable spectacles that reimagine what water, light, and fire can do. With more than 240 installations across six continents, WET is a sanctuary for visionary creators, meticulous builders, and problem-solvers who turn imagination into experience. Our campus in Sun Valley, CA houses a full-scale manufacturing operation where design, engineering, and assembly come together under one roof. Every day, we’re transforming thousands of precision components into dynamic systems that perform flawlessly on a global stage. We’re searching for a proven Director of Manufacturing & Assembly—a hands-on operations leader who thrives where creativity meets complexity. This role is the heartbeat of our production floor, responsible for driving excellence in manufacturing, assembly, and integration of highly engineered water, mechanical, and control systems. You’ll lead and develop teams of builders, technicians, and assemblers who bring our world-renowned water features to life. You’ll partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Project Management to align build schedules, optimize flow, and foster a production environment that values both precision and pride of craft. If you see leadership as both art and discipline—balancing workflow and inspiration, efficiency and hands-on mentorship—this is your arena.

Requirements

• 10+ years in manufacturing leadership (mechanical systems, capital equipment, or specialized assembly preferred)
• Deep experience leading high-mix, low-volume production involving complex mechanical/electrical assemblies
• Proven success developing teams and improving metrics for efficiency, safety, and quality
• Hands-on approach with the ability to lead through example—comfortable on the floor with tools, drawings, and people
• Strong knowledge of lean principles, 5S, and workflow optimization in custom fabrication environments
• Collaborative communicator who thrives in cross-functional design/build settings
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across our manufacturing and assembly departments, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and product quality
• Lead a team of supervisors, assemblers, and fabricators, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and craftsmanship
• Translate engineering intent into real-world build plans—optimizing production schedules, work sequencing, and material flow
• Champion process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce rework, and enhance team performance
• Partner with Supply Chain and Logistics to ensure materials and components are available and verified for every build phase
• Collaborate closely with Engineering and Quality to resolve technical issues and continuously improve manufacturability
• Support team development through training, mentorship, and structured career pathways
• Maintain tight alignment with project delivery schedules, balancing hands-on engagement with strategic oversight

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees